Little Alexx Blog

So,  I just recently read an article written by a woman telling her readers why she doesn’t need modern day feminism. To me, I was taken aback. It’s like someone telling me they don’t need to breathe.

Due to recent posts I have made, I have lost a few followers here and there. Who? All kinds of kinds. I don’t hate men. I love them. I don’t hate women. I love them. However, just because I see the negative in both genders doesn’t mean I hate them. Feminism isn’t about hating men. It’s about holding people (BOTH men and women) accountable for their actions. Modern day feminism helps both men and women. Let me explain.

This phase of modern day feminism is actually referred to as ‘third wave feminism’, a phrased coined by Rebecca Walker in the early 1990s. Of course, you can’t discuss third wave feminism without second wave feminism, with icons such as Hillary Clinton with her notorious pantsuit. These second wavers wished to be taken seriously as they joined the male dominated work force. However, the second  wave is different from third wave due to the idea that all are equal and should be respected to do as they wish as long they do not infringe on the rights of others. No longer should women have to camouflage themselves in a man’s world. They are free and safe to be who they wish.

Or at least that is the ideal.

In part one of this post, I wish to address a few statements that are referenced many times by anti-feminists. Below are my responses:

“I want to be a stay at home mom and take care of my husband and children. Feminists regard me as betraying all the work that has been done for women!”

Well, first off, there are many many different people in movements and organizations. Collectively not everyone comes from the same background or has all the same experiences. It is ignorant to take the words of one or a small few as the end all be all for the organization. Please take time to educate yourself in things that confuse or upset you.

I personally have had friends and acquaintances I know who have gotten married right out of high school or quit college to start a family. I wish them the best and am happy for them. I am currently a junior in college, with dreams of continuing to grad school and off to a PhD program before I wish to raise a family of my own, and that is perfectly okay too. I allow those different than me to do as they wish, just as I hope that others will allow me to as I wish. This is a perfect example of third wave or modern day feminism! So what’s so wrong with that? 

Those who are anti- feminist will cry out, saying that because they wish to get married and have children; they will be judged for not being a feminist, causing them to run in a direction away from this idea. Actually, we don’t. However, I am constantly being judged for the fact I am no where near close to being married nor wanting children.  I had someone ask me, after I told her my plans for school, “Aren’t you worried about missing out on having a husband and kids?”…… this is my life and I am on my own schedule. I don’t judge you and you don’t judge me. This is true modern day feminism.

“Feminists hate men!”

I don’t hate men. I know some really truly wonderful men, who support women and respect them. I personally hate when men (or anyone) doesn’t take responsibility for their actions. No means no. It’s not the woman’s fault that she was raped. It was the man’s fault that he raped her. Instead of teaching our girls to be careful and dress a way that won’t encourage a man, how about we teach our boys and men to not rape women? Not only that, did you know that women can molest and rape men too? Bet you never really thought about that.

Modern feminists are actually in favor of helping men. We believe that both men and women can do as they wish, as long as they are not infringing on someone else’s rights. So, if you wish to get married, have at it! If a man wishes to cry, he should be allowed to do so without the fear of being called weak or feminine. If a woman wishes to address someone at work, she shouldn’t be characterized as ‘bitch’, where as a man would be characterized as a ‘leader’ and ‘go getter’. Both women AND men should be able to do as they please. This of course is misconstrued because the patriarchy has lead society to believe that anything women do outside of making babies, making dinner, and making a home (none of which can be done without a man, shocker!), is equivalent to insanity, weak mindedness, or simply crazy.

Modern day feminists are here to call out the bullshit which inhabits our daily lives.

Take the Kavanaugh hearings a few days ago. I personally watched all 9 hours of it and now have a Kavanaugh sized ulcer in my stomach from how sick it made me. Kavanaugh had a full temper tantrum that was deemed as acceptable by many. Let us take a moment to consider if Dr. Ford, who so graciously and beautifully spoke, had raised her voice or spoken in the way Kavaough spoke to the senators, male and female. She would have been ripped apart, being labeled as unstable, disrespectful, and rude.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, there are double standards, and we are just getting started.

“Feminists are just trying to play the victim, never taking responsibility for their own actions!”

If someone abuses someone, whose fault is it? If someone isn’t getting fair wages, after repeatedly asking for it, whose fault is that? If someone is being told they aren’t good enough or smart enough or strong enough, whose fault is that? The modern day feminist are after those who refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

The human population just needs someone to give a damn.

Anti-Feminists and those on the fence: We are constantly being told that we are less than men. With modern day feminism, we wish to equal the playing field. While I don’t regard you as betraying fellow women, I do say this: How will men ever respect us if we cannot respect ourselves? Support each other. Support other women. It’s what a modern feminist stands for.

Why do I need modern day feminism? 

I need modern day feminism so that my voice is heard, my body is safe, my mind is regarded as capable as any man, and that my heart is considered not just as a woman, but a human being.

I would love to discuss any comments or questions you had! You are welcome to message me on my blog Facebook page, Alexandra Tsahiridis, Instagram, or email me at alexandratsahiridis@gmail.com

Thanks for reading! See you next Tuesday at 5 o’clock.

Today’s Mantra : 

“I AM getting out of my own way.”

love those unlike you, regardless.

blessing, a